Stand Alone Poles: Platinum Stages vs. X-Pole

There are three kinds of poles that are currently available on the market:

1. Permanently mounted poles
2. Removable tension mounted poles
3. Stand Alone poles that come with their own base, and hence have maximum portability.

All the above come in multiple finishes, the most common of which are (in ascending grip properties) polished chrome, X-Pole's TG coated chrome, and brass. Also, the poles can be static, or spinning from the base, and 1.5", 1.75", or 2.0" in diameter.

I'm planning to give more insight on each pole with time, but recently I've had a quiet unfortunate run in with Stand Alone poles. As the pole is not attached to anything at its top, one can easily imagine how this pole is quiet wobbly when any weight is applied to it, and especially when it is put through rigorous moves of pole athletes who are trying to impress. As a leisurely pole, it is really not so bad, and supports surprisingly well most moves in the beginner to intermediate levels. But I cringe at its use in competitions, or for any serious training. It absolutely ruins the aesthetic appeal of the sport, as stillness is very difficult, or sometimes impossible, to achieve. It is hard to balance on this pole as well; shoulder-mounts and handstands would practically need to be relearned by the amateur athlete, and especially for someone tall, as the equilibrium is easier lost at a higher height. The instability issue is only multiplied when softer, yet more grippy, metals like brass are introduced, and the pole can then only be used at a max height of ~8 ft.

Take a look at the video below, that compares Platinum Stages and X-Pole Stand Alones. The difference between the two products is immense. How Platinum Stages can even sell their version, is beyond me. They must have some good lawyers.